Thousands of Israelis gathered in central Tel Aviv on Saturday, demanding an immediate end to the war in Gaza and calling for the release of hostages still held in the enclave.

According to Haaretz, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum staged its weekly protest at “Hostages Square,” while families of captives also demonstrated near the Israeli military headquarters. 

A separate anti-government protest unfolded at Tel Aviv’s Habima Square.

At the rally, Shai Mozes, whose parents were freed in separate prisoner exchanges, accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of being the true threat to Israel. 

“Our real enemy is not Hamas, but Netanyahu, who is dismantling Israel as a Jewish and democratic state,” he said, as reported by The Times of Israel.

Al Jazeera’s Hamdah Salhut, reporting from Amman, noted that many families of hostages believe Netanyahu is extending the conflict for personal and political motives, obstructing any potential ceasefire.

Official figures indicate 59 Israeli captives remain in Gaza. Of these, 35 are confirmed dead, 21 are believed to be alive, and the status of three remains unknown.

Despite public pressure, Israeli authorities continue to reject a ceasefire, asserting that military action is the only viable path to securing the captives’ release—an approach many families and citizens oppose.

Following Netanyahu’s announcement of an expanded military campaign in Gaza, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum condemned the move, claiming it endangers those still held.

Protests were also scheduled in cities including Jerusalem, Haifa, and Beersheba, with demonstrations at numerous intersections nationwide.

Meanwhile, Hamas’s armed wing released a video on Saturday showing two captives, Elkana Bohbot and Yosef Haim Ohana, alive in Gaza. Ohana, speaking in Hebrew, appealed to the Israeli government to end the war and secure their release.

Source: Al Jazeera

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